Police chase ends with suspect arrested and knife seized

Earlier this afternoon (Tuesday 24 September 2024) at around 1pm, our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) were deployed to the North Manchester area after increased reports of burglaries and vehicle thefts in the area.

Whilst officers were on patrol they spotted a vehicle driving suspiciously and noticed the driver was wearing a balaclava and black gloves.

After failing to stop for officers, the car immediately accelerated in an attempt to evade capture.

During the pursuit, the vehicle rammed the police car in an attempt to get away from officers and came to an end when it crashed into a fence.

The driver of the vehicle fled on foot, and after a short foot chase by the officers, a 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of burglary, handling stolen goods, possession of an offensive weapon, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

After searching the vehicle, officers found a zombie-style knife in the footwell of the passenger side of the car that is now illegal.

Inspector Danny Kabal of our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, said: “Our team is made up of highly trained drivers who are out across Greater Manchester day and night, with the sole purpose of disrupting organised crime and keeping our streets safe.

“Early this morning, our team noticed the vehicle driving suspiciously through Manchester, and during the pursuit reached speeds of over 50mph in a residential area, which if not stopped could have had devastating consequences.

"Today’s result showcases the importance of our unit’s presence on the roads in keeping our communities safe. It sends a clear message to criminals who think they are free to use our roads to commit their crimes.

"The public expect us to find these people, arrest them and put them before the courts - and that is exactly what we will continue to do.

“We rely on public information to actively target those responsible, so I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of burglary to make a report to enable us to investigate.”

You can do so by calling 101 or via GMP's website: www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.